Bible Streams

Genesis - the Book of Beginnings - has a couple of near-endings as well, with the Flood narrative being one of those! Alex, Chris and Jo tackle one of the biggest sections in the prehistory section of Genesis, and work through the different perspectives and positions on the key parts. What do you think? Which one do you think fits the text? And what do we do with that, then?Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Genesis (NIVAC) -  by John WaltonBook: The Lost World of Adam and Eve - by John WaltonBook: The Lost World of the Flood - by John Walton and Tremper Longman IIIBook: Genesis (NICOT) - by Victor P. HamiltonBook: Genesis (Tyndale) - by Andrew E. SteinmanBook: Genesis: A Commentary - by Bruce K. WaltkeBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

It starts getting intense in Genesis 3 & 4 - sin enters the picture... And brings with it all sorts of complications. What are they? And what impact do they have on us today? Are Adam & Eve even the parents of all humanity? Even the answer to that question raises myriad other questions! Join Jo, Alex & Chris as they unpack this momentous section of scripture in a mammoth-sized episode!Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Genesis (NIVAC) -  by John WaltonBook: The Lost World of Genesis One - by John WaltonBook: The Lost World of Adam and Eve - by John WaltonBook: Genesis (NICOT) - by Victor P. HamiltonBook: Genesis (Tyndale) - by Andrew E. SteinmanBook: The Composition of the Pentateuch: Renewing the Documentary Hypothesis - By Joel S. BadenBook: The Documentary Hypothesis and the Composition of the Pentateuch - by Umberto CassutoBook: Genesis: A Commentary - by Bruce K. WaltkeBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on thi

In the beginning... The words are embedded in our culture, but in the beginning of what? And with who? And what is the purpose? Join Chris and Jo as they dive deep into the first two chapters of Genesis, examining some of the big ideas and overarching themes of these most significant passages.Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Genesis (NIVAC) -  by John WaltonBook: The Lost World of Genesis One - by John WaltonBook: The Lost World of Adam and Eve - by John WaltonBook: Genesis (NICOT) - by Victor P. HamiltonBook: Genesis (Tyndale) - by Andrew E. SteinmanBook: The Composition of the Pentateuch: Renewing the Documentary Hypothesis - By Joel S. BadenBook: The Documentary Hypothesis and the Composition of the Pentateuch - by Umberto CassutoBook: Genesis: A Commentary - by Bruce K. WaltkeBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.Subscribe to Bible Str

Were Adam and Eve the first people? What is the purpose of the Garden of Eden? What is true about Genesis, and what is real? How literal should we be about what we read? Dr John Walton has spent his entire academic career looking at these issues and many more.Alex, Chris and Jo talk to John about the Ancient Near Eastern understanding of the origins of the universe, humanity, and how best we should read these ancient texts in our modern world.Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Genesis (NIVAC) -  by John WaltonBook: The Lost World of Genesis One - by John WaltonBook: The Lost World of Adam and Eve - by John WaltonBook: Genesis (NICOT) - by Victor P. HamiltonBook: Genesis (Tyndale) - by Andrew E. SteinmanBook: The Composition of the Pentateuch: Renewing the Documentary Hypothesis - By Joel S. BadenBook: The Documentary Hypothesis and the Composition of the Pentateuch - by Umberto CassutoBook: Genesis: A Commentary - by Bruce K. WaltkeBig thanks to Tim

Genesis... The Book of Beginnings, where it all starts... And how a story starts sets the rest of it in context. So how does Genesis set a context for everything that comes after it? Setting first things first might just help us understand the whole rest of the Bible!Join Jo, Alex and Chris as we work our way through this foundational book over the next few weeks: discovering new things, having our assumptions challenged, and leaving once again in awe of God's power, love, and design for His creation.Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Genesis (NIVAC) -  by John WaltonBook: The Lost World of Adam and Eve - by John WaltonBook: Genesis (NICOT) - by Victor P. HamiltonBook: Genesis (Tyndale) - by Andrew E. SteinmanBook: The Composition of the Pentateuch: Renewing the Documentary Hypothesis - By Joel S. BadenBook: The Documentary Hypothesis and the Composition of the Pentateuch - by Umberto CassutoBook: Genesis: A Commentary - by Bruce K. Waltke Big thanks

As we wind down at the end of yet another year of Bible Streams, join our producer, Tim, as he sits down with Jo, Alex, and Chris to talk about all the highlights from 2022 (with a little bit of fun along the way) and to look ahead to 2023. As is now a yearly tradition with Riverlife Podcasts, there will also be bloopers and outtakes. Here's to another awesome year ahead!Resources/Links mentioned in this episode:Riverlife Podcast Network: Going Deeper | Bible StreamsBible Streams - Facebook | Instagram | TwitterMusic: Alex Walker - Atmospheres: Spotify | Apple MusicBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

We conclude our intermittent series featuring conversations with our Bible Streams hosts about their fields of research and the dissertations they have written on the subjects.Last up is Jo Leutton (MDiv. Malyon Theological College), with his project: “‘Come, Holy Spirit’: Lonnie Frisbee’s Prayer and the Origins of the Vineyard Movement.” Church history doesn't always feature in our conversations, but it forms so much of what we understand of how to apply the Bible to our lives!Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:PDF Download: Jo Leutton - ‘Come, Holy Spirit’: Lonnie Frisbee’s Prayer and the Origins of the Vineyard Movement.Video Clip: Lonnie Frisbee - Mother's Day service audio (full sermon)Video Clip: John Wimber's reflections on Lonnie's sermonBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on

John's letters have been a source of encouragement and challenge to the church since the formation of the New Testament. But when we think of John's writings, we often overlook the very short 2 and 3 John. In our series, we'll take a closer look at these three letters, and explore the connection between the Johannine Epistles, the Gospel of John and the Revelation of John.Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Karen H. Jobes - Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on 1, 2 and 3 JohnBook: Constantine R. Campbell - 1, 2, 3 John (The Story of God Bible Commentary)Book: Dr Daniel L. Akin - 1, 2, 3 John (New American Commentary)Book: Robert W. Yarborough - 1-3 John (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)Book: NT Wright & Michael Bird - The New Testament in Its World - ZondervanBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott &

2 John - short and punchy - still reserves clear teaching and clear instruction in how we stay strong in our love and clear in our theology. Jesus is Lord. He came in the flesh, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Don't even let them in your house! Or should you?John's letters have been a source of encouragement and challenge to the church since the formation of the New Testament. But when we think of John's writings, we often overlook the very short 2 and 3 John. In our series, we'll take a closer look at these three letters, and explore the connection between the Johannine Epistles, the Gospel of John and the Revelation of John.Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Karen H. Jobes - Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on 1, 2 and 3 JohnBook: Constantine R. Campbell - 1, 2, 3 John (The Story of God Bible Commentary)Book: Dr Daniel L. Akin - 1, 2, 3 John (New American Commentary)Book: Robert W. Yarborough - 1-3 John (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the N

The integrated and 'braided' nature of John's writing and thoughts are both encouraging, pastoral, and sometimes hard to follow. As Alex, Chris and Jo finish their look at 1 John, they help pace through the key understandings that John is trying to communicate.John's letters have been a source of encouragement and challenge to the church since the formation of the New Testament. But when we think of John's writings, we often overlook the very short 2 and 3 John. In our series, we'll take a closer look at these three letters, and explore the connection between the Johannine Epistles, the Gospel of John and the Revelation of John.Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Karen H. Jobes - Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on 1, 2 and 3 JohnBook: Constantine R. Campbell - 1, 2, 3 John (The Story of God Bible Commentary)Book: Dr Daniel L. Akin - 1, 2, 3 John (New American Commentary)Book: Robert W. Yarborough - 1-3 John (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Test

In this episode, Chris and Jo take a look at 1 John. They discuss introductory concerns and look at the text of chapters 1 and 2. What's all this talk of love? Why the issues with sin and darkness? And who are these antichrists?John's letters have been a source of encouragement and challenge to the church since the formation of the New Testament. But when we think of John's writings, we often overlook the very short 2 and 3 John. In our series, we'll take a closer look at these three letters, and explore the connection between the Johannine Epistles, the Gospel of John and the Revelation of John.Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Karen H. Jobes - Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on 1, 2 and 3 JohnBook: Constantine R. Campbell - 1, 2, 3 John (The Story of God Bible Commentary)Book: Dr Daniel L. Akin - 1, 2, 3 John (New American Commentary)Book: Robert W. Yarborough - 1-3 John (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)Big thanks to Tim Whittle f

John's letters have been a source of encouragement and challenge to the church since the formation of the New Testament. But when we think of John's writings, we often overlook the very short 2 and 3 John. In our series, we'll take a closer look at these three letters, and explore the connection between the Johannine Epistles, the Gospel of John and the Revelation of John.Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Karen H. Jobes - Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on 1, 2 and 3 JohnBook: Constantine R. Campbell - 1, 2, 3 John (The Story of God Bible Commentary)Book: Dr Daniel L. Akin - 1, 2, 3 John (New American Commentary)Book: Robert W. Yarborough - 1-3 John (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify

We continue our intermittent series featuring conversations with our Bible Streams hosts about their fields of research and the dissertations they have written on the subjects.Next up is Alex Walker (BA (Hons)[UQ]), with his project: "Ezekiel’s Temple as the Perfect Tabernacle: A Study of Divine Presence and Absence in Exodus and Ezekiel." But don't be fooled, not only are we punning on what makes each of us special, but we think these topics are pretty interesting! And we think you will too!Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:PDF Alex Walker: Ezekiel’s Temple as the Perfect Tabernacle: A Study of Divine Presence and Absence in Exodus and Ezekiel.Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify

The Megillot is a beautiful and challenging collection of books that are connected by a number of things, including that they are all books read at significant Jewish Festivals. As we finish off our series looking at these books, we take listener questions and wrap up our walk through the books of the Scroll.---There is a small collection of books that sit nestled toward the back of the Hebrew Bible. In the Ketuvim, the Writings, wedged between the three large poetic books of Psalms, Proverbs and Job, and the post-exilic writings (Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles), are the Five Megillot - the Five Scrolls. Small but rich and complex in their subject matter, these five books found their significance both in the biblical narrative but also in the liturgical calendar of Israel. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Barry Webb, 2001, Five Festal Garments, IVP BooksBook: David Clines, 1999, Themes of the Pentateuch. BloomsburyWeb: Top 10 Romantic Complim

As we come to the last episode of our series on the Megillot, these five short books that a grouped together as 'the Scroll' in the Hebrew Bible, we find Ecclesiastes. Seemingly easy to read, like Proverbs, with memorable sections and familiar themes, it is in fact hard to discern what we should take away from this book. Is everything meaningless? Does God care what happens? Why isn't the author giving us clear answers? Who is this mysterious Preacher/Teacher/Gatherer? Ecclesiastes is complex, engaging, and confronting, but ultimately, comforting, as it asks but not always answers the big questions of life.---There is a small collection of books that sit nestled toward the back of the Hebrew Bible. In the Ketuvim, the Writings, wedged between the three large poetic books of Psalms, Proverbs and Job, and the post-exilic writings (Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles), are the Five Megillot - the Five Scrolls. Small but rich and complex in their subject matter, these five books found their significance both in

Lamentations is not one of the more popular books in the biblical canon. In fact, its five densely populated poems are some of the hardest reading in scripture, not in terms of understanding, but in the state of despair and grief we hear poured out. Ther is a brief shining moment at the centre of the book, a ray of hope in what seems to be an otherwise desolate wasteland of broken dreams and shattered hopes. Yet, it is still considered scripture, and still holds in it some encouragement, some nourishment, and some challenge to those willing to brave its icy shores. Join the Bible Streams team as they examine the ebook of Lamentations.--There is a small collection of books that sit nestled toward the back of the Hebrew Bible. In the Ketuvim, the Writings, wedged between the three large poetic books of Psalms, Proverbs and Job, and the post-exilic writings (Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles), are the Five Megillot - the Five Scrolls. Small but rich and complex in their subject matter, these five books found

Love, loss, high drama and a penultimate moment that will leave you on the edge of your seat, the little book of Ruth delivers more than just an epic story in miniature. It's a tale loaded with technical insight into the ancient Hebraic practice of law, community, custom and generational legacy. It rarely mentions God but demonstrates His powerful work in the ordering of circumstances and hidden providence. This walk through Ruth will open your eyes to the intricacies and nuances of this elegantly simple tale.--There is a small collection of books that sit nestled toward the back of the Hebrew Bible. In the Ketuvim, the Writings, wedged between the three large poetic books of Psalms, Proverbs and Job, and the post-exilic writings (Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles), are the Five Megillot - the Five Scrolls. Small but rich and complex in their subject matter, these five books found their significance both in the biblical narrative but also in the liturgical calendar of Israel. Resources/Links mentioned in t

Seductive and suggestive, or pure and pious? No other book in the Bible has garnered so much attention about its subject matter and its appropriateness for God's covenant people to read in worship as the Song of Songs! Is it too much, or is it a healthy depiction of human sexuality and relationships? Should we read it as a love poem or an allegory of Jesus and the Church? Who wrote it - Solomon or someone who wanted to honour him? In the poem, is Solomon a good guy, or is he the antagonist who ruins it for everyone? If nothing else, this short poem-turned-scroll in the Megillot poses some very engaging questions within its superlative language. Join Alex, Chris and Jo as they explore the most excellent Song of all Songs!----There is a small collection of books that sit nestled toward the back of the Hebrew Bible. In the Ketuvim, the Writings, wedged between the three large poetic books of Psalms, Proverbs and Job, and the post-exilic writings (Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles), are the Five Megillot - the

There is a small collection of books that sit nestled toward the back of the Hebrew Bible. In the Ketuvim, the Writings, wedged between the three large poetic books of Psalms, Proverbs and Job, and the post-exilic writings (Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles), are the Five Megillot - the Five Scrolls. Small but rich and complex in their subject matter, these five books found their significance both in the biblical narrative, but also in the liturgical calendar of Israel. Esther is a complex book but a simple story: a story of salvation, redemption,  boldness and courage in the face of mighty opposition. But it's complex, as there is no explicit mention of God's name, and there are some questionable decisions made by some of the chief protagonists. Esther packs a punch, it invites us to dig deeper into the context and the subtext of the story it tells and continues the story of God's people as they journey toward the second temple period and the seismic changes that would come with the advent of Christ.Resou

There is a small collection of books that sit nestled toward the back of the Hebrew Bible. In the Ketuvim, the Writings, wedged between the three large poetic books of Psalms, Proverbs and Job, and the post-exilic writings (Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles), are the Five Megillot - the Five Scrolls. Small but rich and complex in their subject matter, these five books found their significance both in the biblical narrative, but also in the liturgical calendar of Israel. This series covers the books of Esther, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations and Ecclesiastes - five different writings that have been connected by their value to be sung and read at five Jewish festivals. Join the Bible Streams Team as they unpack both the liturgical understanding in this episode and then each book in more depth.Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Tremper Longman III & Peter Enns (eds) - Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry and WritingsBig thanks to Tim